Ratchet Strap Keeper

ABSTRACT

A wraparound portable holder with protective inserts that is closeable and openable, allowing for the storage or use of a restraint device. A restraint device is enclosed, and protected, by the wraparound portable holder. Further, the wraparound portable holder may be closed or opened during use of the restraint device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 61/891,215 filed on Oct. 15, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of invention is directed to protecting and storing cargo fasteners, and more specifically protecting cargo, cargo fasteners, and transportation vehicles from damage during transportation or storage.

2. Background of the Invention

When transporting goods and other objects, there is a need to safely secure these items to a transportation device. Fasteners of all shapes and sizes have been invented to secure such goods and objects safely. While there are a multitude of fasteners on the market, the ratchet strap is one of the most heavily used fasteners for safely securing objects during transportation.

A ratchet strap typically includes a metal frame that houses a ratcheting mechanism, which is used to tighten any suitable form of strap through tension. The strap is placed around goods or objects and then tensioned along a single direction. Tension exerted on the strap is transferred as pressure upon the cargo, holding it in place. Drawbacks to the conventional use of a ratchet strap in transportation are the mechanisms themselves. Due to their metal frame and bulky size, the conventional ratchet strap often inadvertently causes damage to the cargo or the transportation device (i.e., causes scratches to the vehicle). When not in use, the operator is usually left with very few options to effectively store the long straps and ratchet mechanism in a small space.

Consequently, there is a need for protecting the cargo and transportation vehicle from damage when using the ratchet strap. Further needs include an ability to easily handle a ratchet mechanism as well as an efficient means in which to store the ratchet mechanism and strap.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by a wraparound portable holder comprising a body, a protective insert, a fixed end guide, and a connection means. Wherein an attachment means connects a restraint device to the connection means. Without limitation, the portable holder provides users with an efficient way to store and use a restraint device. Further, without limitation, the case provides protection against damaging cargo or the transportation device. In other embodiments, a wraparound portable holder comprises a body, a protective insert, a closure means, a fixed end guide, a connection means, and a storage means. The protective insert is disposed within the body.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the wraparound portable holder in an open position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of the wraparound portable holder in a closed position;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the wraparound portable holder with a fastening device; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a wraparound portable holder with a fastening device in the storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the wraparound portable holder provide the benefit of efficiently storing fastening devices and protecting cargo as well as transportation devices from damage. Embodiments may also lessen wear and extend the operating service of fastening devices.

In embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 1, holder 1 is in an open position. In this position, the distinct parts of holder 1 may be identified as shown. Holder 1 comprises a body 5, a fixed end guide 20, a closure means 10, a connection means 15, and a storage means 40. Body 5 may be made of any suitable materials. Suitable material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, woven threads, canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, body 5 may protect restraint devices 30 housed in holder 1 from wear and tear. It may also keep restraint devices 30 from damaging cargo and/or the transportation vehicle. For example, body 5 may provide a layer of protection between a restraint device 30 and the body of a transportation vehicle. This may prevent restraint device 30 from removing paint, puncturing the vehicle, denting the vehicle, or harming the vehicle while restraining cargo. Furthermore, body 5 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, body 5 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In addition, without limitation, the fluid resistant materials protect contents that are covered by body 5 from fluids (i.e., the fluid resistant materials protect restraint devices from potential damage from harmful fluids such as grease or oil). In some embodiments, body 5 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, body 5 is comprised of materials that reduce ultraviolet light damage and/or may have a coating of an ultraviolet light protection material. Without limitation, holder 1 therefore may be suitable for any environmental conditions and temperatures. To strengthen body 5, stitching 3 may run along the outside edges of body 5. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, stitching 3 encloses padded insert 25.

Padded insert 25 may be placed within body 5. In embodiments, padded insert 25 is disposed within the entire breadth and length of body 5. Padded insert 25 may add additional protection between a cargo restraint device 30 and the cargo itself. Additional padding may prevent and/or lessen the transfer of energy between a restraint device 30 and the vehicle and/or the cargo. Preventing the transfer of energy may prevent the scuffing of surfaces, denting of surfaces, and/or puncturing of surfaces. Padded insert 25 may be made of any suitable material. Suitable material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, wool, fair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, foam, rubber, and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, padded insert 25 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, padded insert 25 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In addition, without limitation, the fluid resistant materials protect contents that are cushioned by padded insert 25 from fluids (i.e., the fluid resistant materials protect restraint devices from potential damage from harmful fluids such as grease or oil). Fluid and flame protection prevent extreme wear and tear from occurring to an enclosed restraint system.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, body 5 may further comprise a left flap 6, a mid-section 7, and a right flap 8. Stitching 3 may be used to separate left flap 6 from mid-section 7, and mid-section 7 from right flap 8. Left flap 6 and right flap 8 are attached in a closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which may form a protective barrier around a restraint device 30. While illustrated in FIG. 2 as a circular protective barrier, left flap 6 and right flap 8 may faun any suitable shape for protection. Suitable shapes may include, but are not limited to, rectangular, square, polyhedral, triangular, and the like, or any combination thereof. Left flap 6 and right flap 8 may form a protective barrier using a closure means 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, closure means 10 may be, but is not limited to, clasp-locker, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, button, buckle, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), grommet, clips, latch, strap, threaded fastener, or any combinations thereof Please note that Velcro® is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries, B.V. Closure means 10 may attach to left flap 6 and right flap 8 by stitching 3, as illustrated in FIG. 1. A fixed end guide 20 and a connection means 15 may be enclosed by left flap 6 and right flap 8, while attached to left flap 6.

Connection means 15 may be used to attach a restraint device 30 to holder 1. Connection means 15 may be free standing material. Suitable material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, woven threads, canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, connection means 15 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, connection means 25 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. Connection means 15 may be of any suitable shape. A suitable shape may be, but is not limited to, rectangular, circular, square, polyhedral, triangular, and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, connection means 15 may be any suitable length and width. A suitable length my about one inch to about six inches, about two inches to about five inches, or about three inches to about six inches. In embodiments, the length of connection means 15 may be about one inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six inches. A suitable width for connection means may be about a quarter inch to about two inches, about half an inch to about one and a half inches, or about three quarters of an inch to about three inches. In embodiments, the width of connection means 15 may be about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of an inch, about an inch, about an inch and a half, about two inches, or about three inches.

An end of connection means 15 may be attached to body 5, while the opposite end of connection means 15 may have a fastening means 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 3 illustrates a grommet with a screw as fastening means 16. However, in embodiments, fastening means 16 may be, but are not limited to, clasp-locker, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, button, buckle, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), grommet, clips, latch, strap, threaded fastener, nuts and bolts, and the like, or any combinations thereof. The end of connection means 15 opposite of attachment means 16 may be stitched to body 5. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof. To strengthen connection means 15, stitching 3 may run along the outside edges of connection means 15 and around attachment means 16. Furthermore, stitching 3 may be in any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the bond between body 5 and connection means 15. Patterns may include a parallel stitching 3 pattern, an “X” stitching 3 pattern, and the like. Adjacent connection means 15 is a fixed end guide 20. Fixed end guide 20 and connection means 15 may be used together to restrain, hold, and guide a restraint device 30.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a restraint device 30 is attached to connection means 15. A ratchet strap is illustrated as a restraint device 30. However, restraint device 30 may include but is not limited to a cam fastener, an over-center fastener, threaded buckle, or snap buckle. Fixed end guide 20 may be free standing material that forms a loop. Suitable material may be, but is not limited to, neoprene, woven threads, canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof Furthermore, fixed end guide 20 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, fixed end guide 20 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. Fixed end guide 20 may be of any suitable shape. A suitable shape may be, but is not limited to, rectangular, circular, square, polyhedral, triangular, and the like, or any combination thereof In embodiments, fixed end guide 20 may be any suitable length or width. A suitable length may be about one inch to about six inches, about two inches to about five inches, or about three inches to about six inches. In embodiments, the length of fixed end guide 20 may be about one inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six inches. A suitable width for connection means may be about a quarter inch to about two inches, about half an inch to about one and a half inches, or about three quarters of an inch to about three inches. In embodiments, the width of fixed end guide 20 may be about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of an inch, about an inch, about an inch and a half, about two inches, or about three inches.

Illustrated in FIG. 1, fixed end guide 20 may attach to body 5 at both ends of fixed end guide 20, forming a loop, using stitching 3. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof. To strengthen fixed end guide 20, stitching 3 may run along the outside edges of fixed end guide 20. Furthermore, stitching 3 may be in any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the bond between body 5 and fixed end guide 20. Patterns may include a parallel stitching 3 pattern, an “X” stitching 3 pattern, and the like.

At least a portion of restraint device 30 may fit within fixed end guide 20, which may guide and restrain the different parts of restraint device 30. Connection means 15 and fixed end guide 20 may secure restraint device 30 along mid-section 7. Furthermore, connection means 15 and fixed end guide 20 may be placed in parallel with each other and separated by an appropriate distance. An appropriate distance may be about a quarter inch to about five inches, about an inch to about four inches, or about two inches to about five inches. In embodiments, the distance may be about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of an inch, about an inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, or about five inches.

An embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 shows restraint device 30 in a storage position secured to holder 5 by connection means 15. In a storage position, restraint device 30 is gathered within holder 1. Left flap 6 and right flap 8 are connectable using attachment means 10. Please note that FIG. 4 shows left flap 6 and right flap 8 not connected for illustrative purposes. Once secured, body 5 may protect the entirety of restraint device 30 from excessive wear and tear from the outside elements. During storage, storage means 40 may be used to store holder 1. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, storage means 40 may be attached to mid-section 7 of body 5.

Storage means 40 may be made of any suitable material. Suitable material may be, but is not limited to neoprene, woven threads, string, parachute cord, elastic, canvas, leather, fabric, and the like, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, storage means 40 may comprise flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. In some embodiments, storage means 40 is coated with flame retardant and/or fluid resistant materials. Storage means 40 may be free standing material that is circular. In embodiments, suitable shapes for storage means 40 may be, but are not limited to, square, triangular, polyhedral, rectangular, and the like, or any combination thereof In embodiments, storage means 40 may be any suitable length or width. A suitable length may be about one inch to about six inches, about two inches to about five inches, or about three inches to about six inches. In embodiments, the length of storage means 40 may be about one inch, about two inches, about three inches, about four inches, about five inches, or about six inches. A suitable width for storage means 40 may be about a quarter inch to about two inches, about half an inch to about one and a half inches, or about three quarters of an inch to about three inches. In embodiments, the width of storage means 40 may be about a quarter inch, about half an inch, about three quarters of an inch, about an inch, about an inch and a half, about two inches, or about three inches. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, storage means 40 may be stitched at both ends to mid-section 7, forming a loop, using stitching 3. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof Stitching 3 may be in any pattern to reinforce and strengthen the bond between mid-section 7 and storage means 40. Patterns may include a parallel stitching 3 pattern, an “X” stitching 3 pattern, and the like. Stitching 3 may be, but is not limited to, nylon, thread, plastic, and the like, or any combination thereof.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wraparound portable holder, comprising: a body; a protective insert disposed within the body; a fixed end guide; and a connection means.
 2. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, further comprising a closure means and a storage means.
 3. The wraparound portable holder of claim 2, wherein the closure means comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 4. The wraparound portable holder of claim 2, wherein the storage means comprise parachute cord stitched to the body to form a loop.
 5. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a left flap, a mid-section, and a right flap.
 6. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1 ,wherein the left flap and right flap connect with a closure means, wherein the closure means comprises a hook and loop fastener.
 7. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the fixed end guide is attached at both ends to the body, forming a loop.
 8. The wraparound portable holder of claim 1, wherein the connection means is attached to the body.
 9. The wraparound portable holder of claim 8, wherein the connection means further comprises an attachment means.
 10. The wraparound portable holder of claim 9, wherein the attachment means is a grommet.
 11. A wraparound portable holder, comprising: a body; a protective insert disposed within the body; a closure means; a fixed end guide; a connection means; and a storage means.
 12. The wraparound portable holder of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises a left flap, a mid-section, and a right flap.
 13. The wraparound portable holder of claim 12, wherein the connection means and the fixed end guide are attached to the left flap.
 14. The wraparound portable holder of claim 13, wherein the connection means and fixed end guide are separated by two inches.
 15. The wraparound portable holder of claim 14, wherein a restraint device connects to the body through the connection means.
 16. The wraparound portable holder of claim 15, wherein the connection means is a grommet.
 17. The wraparound portable holder of claim 13, wherein the fixed end guide forms a loop.
 18. The wraparound portable holder of claim 12, wherein the left flap and right flap are attached by a closure means.
 19. The wraparound portable holder of claim 18, wherein the left flap and right flap enclose a restraint device.
 20. The wraparound portable holder of claim 19, wherein the left flap and right flap form a circular layer of protection around the restraint device when closed. 